What is the plot of The Accused?

A professor hides a self-defense killing and faces prosecution from a determined detective.

What are the key story phases in The Accused?

The story of The Accused progresses through these phases: The Cliffside Tragedy, Love and Guilt, The Net Closes, Justice Served.

Name: The Accused
Genre: drama, thriller
Released: 1949
Rating: 6.1

Wilma kills Bill in self-defense and decides to hide the truth, fearing no one will believe her story.

Assault and Death — Wilma kills Bill in self-defense after he attempts to force himself upon her. Characters: Dr. Wilma Tuttle, Bill Perry Location: Seaside Cliff
Concealment Decision — Wilma hitches a ride and decides to hide her involvement due to fear of disbelief. Characters: Dr. Wilma Tuttle Location: Roadside
Inquest Accident Verdict — An inquest officially finds Bill's death to be an accident. Characters: Dr. Wilma Tuttle Location: Inquest Hall

Wilma enters a relationship with Warren but struggles with delirium and guilt over the hidden crime.

Inquest Accident Verdict — An inquest officially finds Bill's death to be an accident. Characters: Dr. Wilma Tuttle Location: Inquest Hall
Romance Begins — Wilma meets Warren, Bill's former guardian, and they begin a romantic relationship. Characters: Dr. Wilma Tuttle, Warren Ford Location: San Francisco
Boxing Match Guilt — Warren takes Wilma to a match where she suffers guilt seeing a fighter resemble Bill. Characters: Dr. Wilma Tuttle, Warren Ford Location: Boxing Arena
Marriage Proposal — Warren proposes marriage after noticing Dorgan inquiring at Wilma's home. Characters: Dr. Wilma Tuttle, Warren Ford Location: Apartment House

Detective Dorgan uses forensic evidence to prove murder and confronts Wilma and Warren with the truth.

Marriage Proposal — Warren proposes marriage after noticing Dorgan inquiring at Wilma's home. Characters: Dr. Wilma Tuttle, Warren Ford Location: Apartment House
Forensic Evidence — Dr. Romley presents evidence proving Bill was murdered before falling. Characters: Lieut. Ted Dorgan, Dr. Romley Location: Crime Lab
The Confrontation — Dorgan confronts them with the accusation and the suicide note Wilma wrote. Characters: Lieut. Ted Dorgan, Dr. Wilma Tuttle, Warren Ford Location: Unknown

Warren defends Wilma in court, explaining her fear, leading to her acquittal.

Trial Defense — Warren delivers an impassioned speech explaining Wilma's fear and actions. Characters: Warren Ford, Dr. Wilma Tuttle Location: Courtroom
Acquittal — Dorgan realizes the trial is over and Wilma will be acquitted. Characters: Dr. Wilma Tuttle, Warren Ford, Lieut. Ted Dorgan Location: Courtroom

Inciting Incident — The fatal encounter at the cliff
- Sexual Assault Attempt — Bill tries to force himself on Wilma
- Fatal Self-Defense — Wilma strikes Bill with metal
- Decision to Hide — Wilma chooses silence out of fear
Rising Action — Wilma's life continues under pressure
- Romantic Development — Wilma and Warren fall in love
- Psychological Toll — Wilma experiences delirium and guilt
- Suspicion Arises — Detective Dorgan questions the accident
Midpoint Shift — The investigation intensifies
- Forensic Breakthrough — Dr. Romley proves murder occurred
- Marriage Proposal — Warren proposes amidst rising danger
Climax Buildup — The trap is sprung
- Evidence Gathering — Dorgan compiles the case against Wilma
- Direct Confrontation — Dorgan accuses Wilma and Warren
Legal Battle — The courtroom drama
- Warren's Defense — Attorney explains Wilma's fear
- Jury Persuasion — The speech sways the outcome
Resolution — The verdict and aftermath
- Acquittal — Wilma is found not guilty
- Detective Acceptance — Dorgan accepts the legal result

A prim psychology professor fights to hide a murder she committed in self-defense.